A frame is a must when you display in a gallery or art show. A frame sets a painting off and brings out the color theme in a way that nothing else can. Ironically, many buyers prefer to get their own frames and casually discard the frame the artist so meticulously purchased albeit at a somewhat lower cost and quality; a for-show-only purchase, superficial, but necessary.
My deceased brother-in-law was a framing expert. As an avid art collector, he started a framing business in the basement of his home just to accommodate his hobby. I coveted his business and hoped I could stir up interest in my husband to make an offer when his brother-in-law died. But alas, you could put my husband’s artistic desires on the tip of his little finger, and a son-in-law beat us to it.
A few weeks ago, I purchased some chrome and black frames for my 11x14 Roaring Twenties pieces. I was so excited to bring them home and try them out. Here again, the saying: “You get what you pay for,” rang true. Made in China, these lovely frames were cut a tad short, and my stiff, unyielding panels were too tall by ¼ inch. Could I drill a groove, I wondered? Could I cut through that synthetic polystyrene and make needed space for my panels?
This part of the artistic process is the most difficult for me. When it comes to woodworking and making my own canvasses, I’m all thumbs and no brain. By the time I pay extra for what I need, I’ve eaten up my profits, big time, which is one reason I started including recipes in my blogs for “starving artists.”
http://carol-allen-anfinsen.artistwebsites.com/
Today’s artwork features wildlife drawings and paintings.
Whenever I've exhibited I've found a compromise solution. I get all the frames and mats made to size by a local framer but initially because I didn't want to leave my rather 'fragile' pastel paintings in his somewhat chaotic workshop, I put them in the frames myself. It's still quite hard work when there are a lot to do but it does work out more affordable that way.
ReplyDeleteReally--1/4". What a shame. I'd return the frames. You're likely to lose a digit cutting them to the correct size. And I am willing to try such things, so when I advise against such an adventure ... LOL
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, Judy. The best I've heard thus far.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Kelly, after some thought about cuts and blood, I think I'll return the frames so you can breathe easy!